A large number of sugarcane growers from the district staged demonstrations outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office here on Wednesday. They were demanding that the State government direct all sugar factories in the State to make complete payments to farmers for the cane supplied last year. Addressing the growers, Kurubur Shanthakumar, president of the Karnataka Sugarcane Growers’ Association, said a total of Rs. 3,000 crore had to be paid to growers for cane supplied in 2013. He demanded that the factories pay arrears with an interest of 15 per cent as per the Government Order.
The growers got upset when the Assistant Commissioner came to receive the memorandum. They demanded that the Deputy Commissioner come instead.
Later, they tried to enter the Deputy Commissioner’s office but were stopped by the police. They then staged a dharna at the entrance and raised slogans.